Brooklyn Museum (Photo: Adrianna Glaviano)
1 / 10

Brooklyn Museum New York City

4.7
·10k reviews·, United States

A Beaux-Arts landmark housing vast collections from ancient Egypt to contemporary art, famed for feminist masterpieces and lively events.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Brooklyn Museum (Photo: Adrianna Glaviano)

Brooklyn Museum New York City

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A Beaux-Arts landmark housing vast collections from ancient Egypt to contemporary art, famed for feminist masterpieces and lively events.

4.7
(10k reviews)

"A treasure trove of art with accessible admission, offering everything from ancient wonders to modern statements."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Pay-What-You-Wish Entry

General admission is pay-what-you-wish! Don't feel pressured to pay the suggested amount; even $1 grants entry .

🎉 First Saturday Crowds

First Saturdays are huge parties but get extremely crowded. Go early or be prepared for a lively, packed experience .

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 10,133 reviews

Type

Art museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Dinner Party

The Dinner Party

Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art

Judy Chicago's iconic triangular table installation, a monumental work celebrating women in history.

Kehinde Wiley's Napoleon

Kehinde Wiley's Napoleon

Lobby

A striking contemporary portrait that recontextualizes classical art with modern subjects.

Butterfly Gate

Butterfly Gate

Near the Children's Garden

A whimsical wrought-iron gate that delights visitors of all ages with its intricate design.

Egyptian Art Collection

Egyptian Art Collection

Egyptian Galleries

Explore millennia of ancient Egyptian history through sarcophagi, mummies, and intricate artifacts.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for First Saturdays

The Brooklyn Museum's 'First Saturday' events are legendary parties, but they get incredibly crowded. If you prefer a more serene art experience, aim for weekdays or earlier weekend mornings. For the full party vibe, be prepared for crowds and a lively atmosphere.Reddit

Pay-What-You-Wish Admission

General admission to the Brooklyn Museum is 'pay-what-you-wish,' meaning you can contribute any amount, even just a dollar, for entry. This isn't heavily advertised, so many visitors miss out on this budget-friendly option.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Crowd
Low
When
First Saturdays (5-11 PM)
Why
Lively party atmosphere & music
Crowd
High
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Good balance of visitors
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

😍 Here you can step into the subway cars throughout NYC history! In the New York Transit Museum in Downtown Brooklyn, which is open to the public. Curator Jodi Shapiro gives us an inside look. #nyclif...
@urbanistariel
75K likes • 632.6K views

🎯 Pay-What-You-Wish Entry

General admission is pay-what-you-wish! Don't feel pressured to pay the suggested amount; even $1 grants entry.Reddit

🎉 First Saturday Crowds

First Saturdays are huge parties but get extremely crowded. Go early or be prepared for a lively, packed experience.Reddit

#CulturedMag @cultured_mag Magazine #MCNY @museumofcityny #BigDJustSaying
bigdjustsaying
161 likes • 1.3K views
At the Museum of the City of New York: Activist New York. See this show. It’s about how organized protest has constantly made and remade the city. I blurbed it for The NY Times: https://www.nytimes....
sephsees
150 likes • 0 views

🦋 Butterfly Gate Delight

Don't miss the charming wrought-iron butterfly gate, a favorite for families and art lovers alike.Reddit

🏛️ Check for Ticketed Exhibits

Special exhibitions like Virgil Abloh's may require separate tickets, even with general admission.Reddit

reddit.com

What is your favorite thing in the Brooklyn museum and why?

Coming to Brooklyn shortly and always keen to check out the local museums. My daughter (10) loves to find out what locals think, and she wanted to ask if you have a favorite item in the Brooklyn museum and why you like it? Thanks in advance for your thoughts, we look forward to…

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Pay-What-You-Wish Entry

General admission is pay-what-you-wish! Don't feel pressured to pay the suggested amount; even $1 grants entry.Reddit

🎉 First Saturday Crowds

First Saturdays are huge parties but get extremely crowded. Go early or be prepared for a lively, packed experience.Reddit

🦋 Butterfly Gate Delight

Don't miss the charming wrought-iron butterfly gate, a favorite for families and art lovers alike.Reddit

🏛️ Check for Ticketed Exhibits

Special exhibitions like Virgil Abloh's may require separate tickets, even with general admission.Reddit

📚 Library Culture Pass

If you have a Brooklyn Public Library card, check for free museum entry through their Culture Pass program.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(10k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Brooklyn Museum for its diverse and significant collections, particularly the iconic 'The Dinner Party' and impressive Egyptian art. The pay-what-you-wish admission policy is a major draw, making it accessible for all. However, some find the 'First Saturday' events to be overwhelmingly crowded.

"I was here one months ago with my classmates from ESL (English second language) courses. And this is what I want to note. Our English was weak, but our guide explained everything clearly. And I lost my fear of attending different museums in the USA.
The museum itself was wonderful! And I have a desire to go back there again."

Norzen

"Fascinating exhibits about art of all sorts. The special exhibition about gold qua art was very impressive. The emphasis on "social justice" art, less so, but everyone plays to the base. Gorgeous landscaping out front."

Daniel Donnelly

"Good stuff. Many great shows here throughout the years. I recommend the Brooklyn museum!
We just attended a Soca concert for the West Indian carnival weekend. It was behind the museum. Kes the band and Bunji Garlin. There was barely any security besides a sign that read " no weapons or guns".
People were walking in with full bottles of liquor.
I will be adjusting my technique for next year."

JEFFERY JOHNSON

What People Like

Diverse art collections
Pay-what-you-wish admission
Iconic installations

What People Dislike

Overcrowded events

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Brooklyn Museum is easily accessible via public transportation. Take the 2 or 3 subway lines to Eastern Parkway-Brooklyn Museum station, or the B or Q lines to Prospect Park station. Several bus lines also stop nearby. Driving is an option, but parking can be challenging.TikTok

While street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood, it can be competitive. There are also paid parking garages nearby, but using public transit is often the most convenient option for visiting the Brooklyn Museum.

Yes, the Brooklyn Museum is located adjacent to Prospect Park. It's a pleasant walk from many parts of the park, making it easy to combine a visit to both attractions.Reddit

The 2 and 3 subway lines stop directly at the Eastern Parkway-Brooklyn Museum station, offering the most direct access. The B and Q lines to Prospect Park are also a short walk away.

Yes, several bus routes serve the area around the Brooklyn Museum, including the B7, B9, B16, B41, B45, B48, B49, and B65. Check MTA schedules for specific routes and stops.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission to the Brooklyn Museum is pay-what-you-wish. While a suggested donation is around $20, you can contribute any amount you wish, even just $1, for entry. Special exhibitions may have separate ticket prices.Reddit

For general admission, advance purchase isn't strictly necessary due to the pay-what-you-wish policy. However, for popular ticketed exhibitions, booking online in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot.Reddit

The Brooklyn Museum offers pay-what-you-wish general admission every day. Additionally, their 'First Saturday' events (5-11 PM on the first Saturday of each month) offer free admission and programming, though they can be very crowded.Reddit

Yes, if you have a Brooklyn Public Library card, you may be eligible for free admission through their Culture Pass program. It's worth checking with your local library for details.Reddit

First Saturday is a monthly event featuring free museum admission, live music, performances, and other programming. It's a popular, lively event that attracts large crowds and transforms the museum into a social gathering space.Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Highlights include Judy Chicago's 'The Dinner Party,' Kehinde Wiley's 'Napoleon Leading the Army over the Alps,' the Egyptian art collection, and the charming Butterfly Gate. The museum also features rotating special exhibitions.Reddit

Yes, the Brooklyn Museum is family-friendly. Children often enjoy the Butterfly Gate, the Egyptian galleries, and interactive elements. The museum also hosts family programs and events.Reddit

To see the main collections and a special exhibition, plan for at least 2-3 hours. If you want to explore more thoroughly or attend a special event, you could easily spend half a day or more.

Yes, the Brooklyn Museum has a gift shop offering a variety of art-related items, books, and souvenirs. It's a great place to find unique gifts inspired by the museum's collections.Reddit

The museum often offers guided tours, especially for special exhibitions. Check the museum's schedule upon arrival or on their website for availability and times.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the Brooklyn Museum has a cafe and restaurant on-site, offering various dining options for visitors. These are convenient for a quick bite or a sit-down meal during your visit.

Several highly-rated restaurants are located near the Brooklyn Museum. Cafe Mado, known for its delicious food, is a popular choice right by the park. Evil Twin Brewery is also a fun option within walking distance.Reddit

Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the galleries. However, there may be designated areas where you can consume food, or you can enjoy a picnic in the adjacent Prospect Park.

The museum's cafe typically offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, pastries, and coffee, catering to a range of tastes for a convenient meal.

While menus can vary, most museum cafes and nearby restaurants offer a selection of vegetarian and often vegan-friendly dishes. It's always a good idea to check the current menu or ask staff.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal, non-commercial use is generally permitted in the permanent collection galleries. However, flash photography and tripods are usually prohibited. Always check signage for specific exhibit rules.TikTok

Yes, flash photography, tripods, and selfie sticks are typically not allowed to protect the artwork. Some special ticketed exhibitions may have stricter photography policies, so always look for posted signs.

The Beaux-Arts Court, the grand entrance, and areas with striking contemporary art like Kehinde Wiley's 'Napoleon' are popular photo spots. The diverse collections offer many visually interesting backdrops.

Yes, you can use your phone camera for personal photos in most areas, provided you adhere to the no-flash and no-tripod rules. It's a great way to capture your favorite pieces.TikTok

Photography policies for special exhibitions can vary. Some may allow it without flash, while others might prohibit it entirely. It's crucial to check the signage at the entrance of each special exhibition.

You may also like

1 of 2
Brooklyn Museum New York City (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide